Goal: Ask Massachusetts Governor to appoint Barney Frank to the Senate Seat that will soon be vacated by John Kerry

President Obama’s nomination of Senator John Kerry to be the next United States Secretary of State has left Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick with an appointment decision to make. Once, as expected, the Senate confirms Kerry, Patrick will be tasked with the decision of hiring Kerry’s replacement. Patrick has said he is likely to appoint someone as an interim Senator, until a special election determines who will serve the remainder of the term.

Many Democrats are hoping the seat will be filled by recently retired House Representative Barney Frank. Frank retired from Congress after 32 years in the House and has been vocal about wanting to become an interim senator after Kerry is confirmed.

Although openly campaigning for a Senate seat that’s not yet vacant is considered taboo in the political world, Frank is notoriously bold and forthright, part of the reason why he has become one of the most beloved figures of the Progressive Movement.

“I did have people say, ‘Well, you’re not supposed to volunteer,’ ” Frank said during an interview on MSNBC. “My view is that’s kind of junior high school stuff. The difference between me and a number of other people who want to be the interim senator is I’ve said so publicly and the rest are being coy.”

The Boston Globe editorial board agrees that Frank is the man for the job. Many national progressive groups are garnering support for Frank, who was the 25th most liberal member of the House, according to National Journal’s 2011 vote ratings.

If appointed to the seat, Frank lists among his priorities cutting military spending, ending military operations in Afghanistan and encouraging “mainstream Republicans to break with the tea party.” Frank’s long congressional résumé, experience with financial matters, bold demeanor, and enthusiasm for the job make him a highly qualified candidate in the eyes of most Democrats.

Barney Frank has been a progressive national treasure in the United States Congress for over three decades. With courageous and unapologetic stances on issues, vast intelligence, and extensive knowledge on the in’s and out’s of Congress, Frank is the man to fill John Kerry’s Senate seat. Barney Frank’s comprehensive experience and strong record on issues make him an excellent candidate for this position.

Now more than ever we need someone with the conviction and the experience to stand up for America’s most vulnerable populations, and no one would do a better job over the next few months than Barney. Please appoint Barney Frank to an interim Senator position in the Senate. He is beloved by the people of your state, and our nation.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

photo credit: US Congressional Portraits

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